The Maryland State Fair at Timonium opens Aug. 23 for an expanded live meet this year.

The Baltimore-area track will offer 10 days of racing, up from seven in recent years. From opening day through Sept. 2, Labor Day, the track will be dark only only Aug. 27. First post time is 1:05 p.m. EDT.

The additional days were made possible by the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, which contributed funds to support the programs. This year, the purse for a maiden special weight race will be $30,000; the minimum purse with be $9,000 for $4,000 claimers.

"We're excited about the purse increases and excited to have live racing again," said racing secretary Georganne Hale.

The last live race in Maryland was held June 8 at Pimlico Race Course. There will be a shorter break after Labor Day, with Laurel Park scheduled to open Sept. 19.

Travis Dunkelberger will defend his 2012 riding title. Last year he won with 10 of 23 mounts for a 43% strike rate. Mid-Atlantic region mainstays Hugh McMahon, Jamie Ness, Dale Capuano, and Scott Lake hope to share in a $10,000 training bonus awarded for most wins and most starters during the meet.